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Background and Objectives: While Hispanic/Latino populations in the U.S. are remarkably diverse in terms of birthplace and age at migration, we poorly understand how these factors are associated with cognitive aging. Our research seeks to operationalize a life course perspective of migration and health and contribute new understanding of Alzheimer's disease / Alzheimer's disease related dementias among U.S.-based Hispanic/Latino older adults., Research Design and Methods: Harnessing the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (n=16,415) and the Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (n=6,377) data, we compare baseline cognition and 7-year cognitive change among U.S./mainland-born Hispanic/Latino adults relative to foreign/island-born immigrants by age of migration (four groups: born in mainland U.S., immigrated <16 years, 16-34 years, >34 years). Global cognition was calculated as a composite measure, and domain specific measures were considered in secondary analyses. We employed linear regressions, ANOVA contrasts and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition techniques., Results: All Hispanic/Latino immigrant adults, regardless of age at migration, have a cognitive health disadvantage (at each visit and over time) relative to U.S./mainland-born Hispanic/Latino individuals. Differences did not endure the inclusion of covariates and were explained predominantly by first socio-economic and then acculturative factors, and far less by health and health behaviors. Acculturative factors are particularly important for individuals who migrated after childhood., Discussion and Implications: Socio-economic and acculturation factors have outsized roles in explaining gaps in cognitive aging among U.S.-born and migrant Hispanic/Latino adults. It is then vital to examine whether disrupting socio-economic and acculturation inequalities closes such gaps in cognitive aging., (© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Gerontological Society of America.)

Background and Objectives In the next few decades, the number of Mexican American older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders will increase dramatically. Given that this population underutilizes formal care services, the degree of care responsibilities in Mexican American families is likely to increase at the same time. However, little is known about the changing need for assistance with instrumental day-to-day activities and emotional support by long-term patterns of cognitive impairment. Research Design and Methods We use 7 waves of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (1992/1993–2010/2011) and trajectory modeling to describe long-term patterns of perceived emotional and instrumental support, and dementia. Results Results revealed 2 latent classes of both emotional and instrumental support trajectories: low and high support. Specifically, those living alone were more likely to belong to the group with low support than to that with high support. Three latent classes for likely dementia were also revealed: likely dementia, increasing impairment, and no impairment. Those living alone were more likely to belong to the increasing impairment and likely dementia groups. The dual trajectory of emotional and instrumental support with likely dementia revealed that the probability of belonging to the low-support group was highest for those with increasing impairment. Discussion and Implications These findings highlight the risk and vulnerability of those who live alone concerning perceived social support and dementia. Implications of the findings for the potential dependency burden on Latino caregivers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives This study addresses a gap in the knowledge base regarding whether there are differences in mental, cognitive, and functional health between sexual minority women aged 65 and older and their heterosexual counterparts, as well as whether disparities are moderated by age, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. Research Design and Methods This study analyzes 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 21 states. Multivariate logistic regression is used to test the hypotheses. Results Compared to heterosexual women, lesbian/gay women aged 65 and older report worse functional health and bisexual women report worse cognitive health and more difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living. Disparities are particularly present for women in their late 60s and those in their 70s. While the likelihood of a depression diagnosis tends to be lower for heterosexual women with higher income, the inverse is true of sexual minority women. Additionally, sexual minority women with less education have lower odds of frequent mental distress and activity limitations than those with some college education. Sexual minority women of color have significantly lower odds of frequent mental distress, activity limitations, and use of special equipment compared to white sexual minority women. Discussion and Implications Findings indicate a need for gerontological services that provide support to older sexual minority women, particularly in relation to cognitive and functional health. Future research is needed to understand risk and protective factors contributing to these disparities, including forms of resilience that occur among older sexual minority women of color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evidence suggests that physical activity and healthy diets may help to maintain cognitive function, reducing risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Using a cross-cultural focus, we describe older adults' awareness about cognitive health, and their ideas about how to inform and motivate others to engage in activities that may maintain brain health. Design and Methods: Nineteen focus groups were conducted in 3 states (California, North Carolina, South Carolina) with 77 adults aged 50 years and older. Six groups were with African Americans (AAs), 4 with Chinese, 3 with Vietnamese, 4 with non-Hispanic Whites, and 2 with American Indians (Als). A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. ResuIts: Many participants did not recall reading or hearing about brain health in the media. Participants recommended a multimedia approach to inform others about brain health. Both interpersonal and social/group motivational strategies were suggested. Word of mouth and testimonials were recommended most often by Chinese and Vietnamese. AAs and Als suggested brain health education at church; AAs, Chinese, and Vietnamese said brain health slogans should be spiritual. Participants' perceived barriers to seeking brain health information included watching too much TV and confusing media information. lmplications: Findings on communication strategies for reaching racial/ethnic groups with brain health information will help guide message and intervention development for diverse older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine perceptions about aging well in the context of cognitive health among a large and diverse group of older adults. Design and Methods: Forty-two focus groups were conducted with older adults living in the community (N = 396; White, African American, American Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hispanic). Participant descriptions of "someone who you think is aging well" were analyzed. Constant comparison methods examined themes by race/ethnicity. Results: There were notable race/ethnicity differences in perceptions of aging well. Compared with other racial/ethnic groups Chinese participants were more likely to emphasize relationships between mental outlook and physical abilities, Vitnamese participants were less likely to emphasize independent living. American Indians did not relate aging well to diet or physical activity. Important themes that emerged about aging well for all racial/ethnic groups were as follows: living to advanced age, having good physical health, having a positive mental outlook, being cognitively alert, having a good memory, and being socially involved. Implications: To promote cognitive health among diverse populations, communication strategies should focus on shared perceptions of aging well, such as living to an advanced age with intact cognitive function, having a positive attitude, and being mobile. Health promotions may also create a range of culturally sensitive messages, targeted to views that are more salient: among some racial/ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]